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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2024
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County, Court Admin to Dedicate Courtroom 3A in Honor of Judge James C. Hankinson
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| WHO:Â |
Leon County Government and the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida |
| WHAT:Â |
Dedication Ceremony of Courtroom 3A |
| WHEN:Â |
Friday, June 28, at 3 p.m. |
| WHERE:Â |
Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe Street |
Leon County Government and the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida invites the community to the dedication of Courtroom 3A in memory of the Honorable Judge James C. Hankinson. The ceremony will take place on Friday, June 28, at 3 p.m. at the Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 3A, 301 S. Monroe Street.
Judge Hankinson, appointed to the bench in 2002 by Governor Jeb Bush, exemplified unwavering dedication and innovation throughout his tenure. As a circuit judge, he presided over some of the most serious and complicated criminal trials in Leon County.
Notably, Judge Hankinson was instrumental in establishing the Second Judicial Circuit’s animal therapy program, a pioneering initiative that allows therapy dogs to comfort children testifying in criminal court. This program has now been expanded to dependency and delinquency proceedings, and even includes adults in certain cases. This program was the first in the State of Florida and serves as the model for the rest of the State and courts throughout the country.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Hankinson was a frequent instructor at the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges and the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies, where he shared his knowledge and experience with fellow judges.
Judge Hankinson retired in 2020 and passed away on July 6, 2023. His legacy of dedication, compassion, and innovation continues to influence the legal community and the lives of those he served.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public, and refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Garber, Trial Court Administrator, Second Judicial Circuit, at 850-606-4427 / GarberE@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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